National Republican., 1887-02-18
ADJUSTMENTS.
WV NATIONAL rHEATER.

EW NATIONAL THEATER.
- MIR. Wilson Barrett and Miss Eastlake are ad-
vancing from triumph to triumph There can
be no doubt of the overwhelming success &C.
chieved last night by "Clito." Round upon
round OF applause followed each act until at
the curtains fall on the dicruption OF the
conTtesan's palace widest enthusiasm pre-
vailed throughout the entire theater.
The story of "Clto' Is an illustration ofwhat
is euphemistically called "the social evil"
Placing the scene In Athens and the time 8. 900
years back does not alter the fact which is as
old as the origin OF evil and as real as human
ity. In remarkable passage of Leckys
"History OF European Morals" the following
passage occurs "Under certain circumstances
there has arisen in society a,hguro whose very
cold transports Of affection and submits herself
tho passive instrument OF lust. In Greece such
women were called hetairai; in Rome, Concu
Those women form a lasting monument to the
degradation and infamy of man, yet they re-
main and ever must remain, while creeds and
civilizations rise and fall, the eternal
priesteSses OF humanity sacrificed for the sins
ofthe people,"
We cannot agree with Mr.. Lecky upon the
futility of hope for another great tri Imph Of
humanity in this particular direction and we
are convinced that such a tragedy as was pre-
sented last night by Mr.. Barrett and his COM
pany is destined TO point out the road aud
stimulate the social movements by which ulti-
mate omelioration may be expected.
The career OF Helle causes us indeed to sup
'full with horrors" but they are horrors which
contain within Themselves the germs of a rich
and benefcent development.
No drama of our time contains higher
moral or more generally needed lesson. and
as presented in this city last night II asserted
with no uncertain tones its right and privilege
to dominate the stage,
Though Mr.. Barrett still suffers from hoarse-
ness his presentation OF the man with artistic
genius, patriotic devotion, wide and deep
social sympathies and high desires for all noble
aims, 10 superb In the inception as II Is colossal
int the downfall. The one prevailing sen iment
of an audience from the moment Clito falls
into the wanton's clutches is ION! the pity of
1t oil r.
Miss Eastlake says herself that she is so
fascinated by the demoniacal wickedness of
Helle that she feels reused to her utmost depth
to portray the full sweep of what woman's
degradation may include. Her part ia spend-
idly sustained, and the paltry sentimentalism
of Camille pales into nothingness before the
rushing torrent OF calamities which follow on
the hideous life OF this Athenian woman.
After Clito and Helle, Mr. J. ii. Clynds, aS
Xenocles, deserves the highest need of praise.
As Clito says ofhim, "He Is the noblest soul In
Athens" and his last suppliant pleading with
the infatuated sculptor received the warmest
applause from an audience profoundly
affected. Miss Lila Garth. as Irene, played
her pathetic part with much sympathy and
sweetness,
The movement of this play is rapid and har-
monious, the plot Is of nccnmulating interest.
and the literary workmanship Is OF very high
order.
"Cito' again tonight.